"As to science itself, it can only grow."

Galileo Galilei

AIMS
Five-Year Testing Calendar

Frequently Asked Questions About AIMS Science

AIMS Science Student Guides

AIMS Science Sample Tests

Science Blueprints
   Grade 4 (pdf)
   Grade 8 (pdf)
   High School (pdf)

AIMS Periodic Table Reference Sheet - Grade 8 Science

Science AIMS Performance Level Descriptors

Formative Assessment Item Bank - To access these documents, you must be an Arizona educator with access to IDEAL. Log into IDEAL with your username and password. Then click the Assessment tab.

Science AIMS Specifications
The documents provide information on how science performance objectives will be assessed through AIMS. To access these documents, you must be an Arizona educator with access to IDEAL.
Log into IDEAL with your username and password. Then click the Assessment tab. Click the "AIMS for Educators" button to access the Science AIMS Item Specifications for grades 4, 8 and high school.

Alternate Science Standards for AIMS-A

Other Science Assessment Information

National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)
The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), also known as "the Nation's Report Card," is the only nationally representative and continuing assessment of what America's students know and can do in various subject areas.

NAEP Profile for Arizona

Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS)
TIMSS, formerly known as the Third International Mathematics and Science Study) provides reliable and timely data on the mathematics and science achievement of U.S. students compared to that of students in other countries.

• Saguaro Life Cycle Lesson (Grade 3 trade book lesson)
• History of the Periodic Table (Grade 8 integrated reading lesson)
• To access additional Content-Rich Support Materials for science grades K-8, log into IDEAL. Under Curriculum Resources, click the link for Content-Rich Support Materials.

Atlas for Science Literacy
This book features visual maps of science content from K to 12, and helps schools and districts with science curriculum development.

Benchmarks for Science Literacy
Developed by the Project 2061, the Benchmarks look at adjusting science curriculum to essential elements with a goal of having all graduates scientifically literate by 2061.

Curriculum Topic Study
Curriculum Topic Study is an NSF-funded project that is developing a coordinated set of science materials to help K-12 educators deepen their understanding of the important science topics they teach. CTS builds a bridge between state and national standards, research on students' ideas in science, and opportunities for students to learn science through improved teacher practice.

Designing Optimal Knowledge for Teaching Science and Mathematics (pdf)
This paper examines reform proposals for K-12 science and mathematics teaching, including Literature that delineates the varieties of knowledge that have been associated with this kind of teaching. This paper addresses the character of that knowledge rather than the content of that knowledge.

EDThoughts: What We Know About Science Teaching and Learning

How Students Learn: Science in the Classroom

Making Sense of Secondary Science: Research into Children's Ideas

National Science Education Standards
Developed in coordination with the National Academies of Science, the NSES look at revising science teaching and learning.

National Association for Research in Science Teaching
The National Association for Research in Science Teaching (NARST) is a worldwide organization of professionals committed to the improvement of science teaching and learning through research.

Science for All Americans On-Line
Developed by the Project 2061, this book consists of a set of recommendations on what understandings and ways of thinking are essential for all citizens in a world shaped by science and technology.

Science and Safety: It's Elementary (pdf)
An Elementary Safety Guide produced by the Council of State Science Supervisors.

Science and Safety, Making the Connection (pdf)
A Secondary Safety Guide produced by the Council of State Science Supervisors.

National Science Chemistry Lab Safety Guide (pdf)

General Science
Arizona Science Teachers Association
National Science Teachers Association
Association for Science Teacher Education
Council for Elementary Science International
National Institute for Science Education
National Middle Level Science Teachers' Association
National Science Education Leadership Association
School Science and Mathematics Association

Physics
Arizona section of American Association of Physics Teachers
American Association of Physics Teachers
American Institute of Physics- Education Division
American Physical Society Forum on Education
American Society for Engineering Education

Chemistry
American Chemical Society, Education Home Page

Biology
Arizona Association for Environmental Education
American Institute of Biological Sciences
Association for Biology Laboratory Education
National Association of Biology Teachers
North American Association for Environmental Education

Earth and Space
Association for Astronomy Education
National Association of Geoscience Teachers
National Earth Science Teachers Association
American Astronomical Society
American Geological Institute - Education Department
Geological Society of America - Geoscience Education Division
National Space Society

Please note: While the following sites have been identified as containing quality information for science education, teachers need to review individual materials for content quality and alignment.

Arizona resources and programs
Document contains links to Arizona resources and programs, such as parks, museums, and organizations connected to science education.

American Association for the Advancement of Science
Advances science around the world by serving as an educator, leader, spokesperson and professional association.

Annenberg Media Learner.org
Annenberg Media uses media and telecommunications to advance excellent teaching in American schools.

ARS News and Information
Research news, science for kids, and images from the Agricultural Research Service.

BioLEAP Lending Library of Life Science Materials
The National Anti-Vivisection Society provides a comprehensive library of dissection alternatives that includes high-relief, three dimensional plastic models, computer software programs, color transparencies, videotapes and other materials for a wide range of species. These materials are available on a free loan basis to students, teachers, school boards and others interested in advancing science education without harming animals.

The Biology Project
An interactive resource for learning about biology concepts, sponsored by the University of Arizona.

The Center for Innovation in Engineering and Science Education
CIESE sponsors and designs interdisciplinary projects that teachers throughout the world can use to enhance their curriculum through compelling use of the Internet.

Digital Library for Earth System Education
The Digital Library for Earth System Education (DLESE), sponsored by the National Science Foundation, includes lesson plans, maps, images, data sets, visualizations, assessment activities, curriculum, online courses, and more.

Federal Resources for Educational Excellence
Provides a database that links to free teaching and learning resources developed by federal agencies.

Harvard University Teacher Resource Website
Provides content modules for teaching about density, pressure, simple circuits, and ecosystems.

Modeling Instruction Program at Arizona State University
Portal page to the Modeling Theory of Physics Instruction program.

Modeling for Understanding in Science Education (MUSE)
Provides numerous research-based, math oriented science units, complete with instructional materials, instructions, and rationale.

National Institute for Science Education
Publications, research and educational activities.

NASA Spacelink
An Aeronautics and Space Resource for Education

National Academy of Sciences
Provides latest research and policy in science, engineering, and medicine.

National Science Digital Library
NSDL is the Nation's online library for education and research in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics.

National Science Foundation
Includes information about the agency, its programs, and its publications; details of NSF grants; and links to other science-related research centers.

National Science Teachers Association - Learning Center
Includes Science Objects (free one- to two-hour interactive simulation-based learning experiences) and NSTA Web Seminars (free weekly 90-minute, live professional development experiences that allow participants to interact with nationally acclaimed experts, NSTA Press authors, and scientists, engineers, and education specialists from NSTA government partners).

NCREL Science
Provides research articles on policy and best practices for mathematics and science education issues.

Revolution in Earth and Space Science Education
Earth and space science education is undergoing a revolution that is reshaping the nature and content of what is taught-with an increased emphasis on Earth as a system. Earth and space science is emerging as a premier exemplar for innovation, quality education and successful science education reform for students at all grade levels.

Science Notebooks
Provides information and strategies for creating science notebooks, including examples of student notebooks.

The Smithsonian Institution Home Page
Provides virtual tours of the Smithsonian Institutions, teaching resources, exhibits, and professional development information.

The Tree of Life Home Page
Information about phylogeny and biodiversity.

Understanding Evolution - An evolution site for teachers
Comprehensive site containing extensive background information to help teachers understand the complexities of evolution and teach it effectively.

USGS - Education
The Learning Web, a portion of the U.S. Geological Survey to, a portion of the USGS web sit dedicated to K-12 education, exploration, and life-long learning.